Fishing tackle organizer and carrier

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a portable or fixed device for organizing and transporting items utilized by fisherman, hobbyists, tradesmen and the like. It comprises a main compartment containing a plurality of trays in which the items are organized and stored, and side and top compartments for organizing and storing items that are less suitable for storage in trays, such as elongated items and tools. The trays are held in the main compartment by a plurality of removable elastic cords which span the open front of the main compartment at such heights as to engage each tray at a point along its height. Trays can be removed by displacing the cords. Elastic cords also are provided to hold items in the side compartments. A cutting or work board can be is mounted on the back of the device, and slip-resistant surfaces can be installed on the top and the bottom. Handles can be provided for carrying the device, or the device can be built into the structure of a boat, a vehicle, or a fixed structure.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

Support for the disclosure in this application is found in the applicant's provisional patent application No. 61/210,188, filed Mar. 16, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates an apparatus for storing items typically used by fisherman, hobbyists, and tradesmen such as electricians, mechanics and others, in a plurality of compartments and removable trays. Such persons always have had the problem of organizing and carrying the assortment of items which are essential to pursuing their hobbies and conducting their business. In the past, there have been many tackle boxes, tool boxes and the like that have provided means for organizing and carrying these items. However, none have afforded the versatility of use and the ready access to these items that is provided by the present invention.

While this invention is described in large part in the context of use for fishing tackle, it is not so limited, but also lends itself well to use in other fields. It should also be noted that the features and basic structure of the invention can be packaged in a box-like structure so as to allow portability, or they can be incorporated into the construction of boats, vehicles, and permanent structures.

THE PRIOR ART

The prior art is replete with a multitude of tackle boxes, tool boxes and the like for organizing and carrying the gear that fisherman, hobbyists and tradesman utilize. A typical arrangement is a box containing a plurality of drawers which, while they can be pulled out to gain access to their contents, cannot easily to removed from the box and therefore the entire box must be carried from place to place. The drawers are maintained in the box by latches or by folding panels, which are cumbersome to use. Individual compartmented trays also are used, but these are cumbersome to transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose organizer that provides ready access to such items as fishing tackle, tools, and those carried by tradesmen, and does so in a manner which provides fisherman and other hobbyists with a satisfactory experience, and tradesman with efficient operation. The invention is manifested in a first embodiment, which is portable, and a second embodiment in which the features are permanently installed in a boat, a vehicle, or a permanent structure. A first embodiment comprises a main compartment containing a plurality of trays in which small items can be stored in an organized fashion, and side and top auxiliary compartments for organizing and storing items that are less suitable for storage in trays, such as elongated items and tools. Both embodiments are centered about a main compartment which contains one or more trays in which the items to be organized are placed. Depending upon the manner of installation, both the portable and the fixed embodiments also can provide auxiliary compartments and other accessories, such as a cutting board or work board having marks for measuring the length of items placed thereon, and a tool caddy for quick access to much-used items. Particularly in the portable embodiment, a slip-resistant surface can be installed on the top of the main compartment, which can be utilized as a seat and as a non-slip support for the board. A slip-resistant surface also can be provided on the bottom in the portable embodiment to inhibit slippage of the box when placed on a wet or canted surface. Handles can be provided for carrying the portable device.

The invention provides a main compartment that is open in the front, and in which one or more storage trays are stacked, one upon the other. A plurality of cords having elastic properties span the front opening from side to side, so located as to hold each of the trays individually in place within the open front of the compartment. Access to any of the stacked trays can easily and conveniently be made by displacing the restraining elastic cord out of the way and pulling the tray from its position in the stack, or by tilting the tray upwardly so that it can be pulled between two adjacent elastic cords. The remaining trays then simply drop toward the bottom of the compartment. The tray that has been removed can be returned to the compartment by placing it on the top of the stack of trays, or it can be replaOed in its former position in the stack by sliding it between the cords and the other trays. Thus, the contents in any of the trays may quickly and easily be removed and returned to the compartment. Especially in the portable embodiment of the invention, side compartments can be added, attached to the sides of the box like hinged doors. The side compartments have open fronts and pivot between a closed position in contact with the outside of the box and an open position wherein their contents can be accessed. A top compartment can be added with a hinged lid that opens upwardly. A ready access tool caddy can be provided on the outside of at least one of the side compartments to place items such as pliers, cutters, knives and other tools within easy reach. A slotted frame on the rear of the main compartment holds the removable cutting board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the invention, and to illustrate the objects and advantages of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the portable embodiment of the invention with all of the compartments closed.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with all of the compartments open.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of embodiment of FIG. 1 with all of the compartments open.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of a tray that is usable in the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention, which not only provides a means for organizing supplies but allows the supplies to be carried from place to place. In this embodiment there is a main compartment 11 defined by a bottom panel 12, first and second side panels 13 and 14, a back panel 15 and a top panel 16. Main compartment 11 has a width, a height and a depth, and is open in the front. An upper panel 17 and the upper portions of side panels 13 and 14 and rear panel 15 define a top compartment 20. A lid 21 mounted at the rear on hinge means (not shown), pivots to open and close top compartment 20. The outer surface of lid 21 can be covered in a non-slip material. Lifting handles 23 are mounted on side panels 13 and 14 to facilitate lifting and carrying the device. A plurality of trays 31 are placed within main compartment 11, stacked directly one upon the other. One of these trays is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 4. Each tray has a width 32, a height 33, and a depth 34. These dimensions are advantageously slightly less than the corresponding dimensions of the interior of main compartment 11. Trays 31 are utilized to store the items typically used by a fisherman, a hobbyist, or tradesman. Trays 31 can be open at the top or have lids, and they typically are divided into compartments and are labeled to denote what items are with each. Examples of these types of trays are marketed under the PLANO trademark.

Installed across the opening in the front of main compartment 11 are a plurality of elastic cords 41, which are attached to side panels 13 and 14. Attachment of cards 41 can be by any appropriate means, which advantageously are such as to allow cords 41 to easily be attached and removed. An example of a appropriate such means is keyhole-shaped openings 42 in side panels 13 and 14, into which are placed knots tied in the ends of cords 41 or other appropriate fasteners mounted on the ends of cords 41. The plurality of elastic cords 41 are generally substantially parallel to bottom panel 12, and the cords are so located and spaced apart as to engage each of stacked trays 31 to prevent them from sliding out of main compartment 11. To accomplish this, one or more cords 41 intercept the trays 31 at a point along their height 33 sufficient to hold them in place in the main compartment, for example, at about one-half of the height 33 of each tray, as is shown inn FIG. 4. Since each of the cords 41 is easily installed and removed, there no need to utilize more elastic cords 41 than there are trays 31 in main compartment 11. The use of multiple attachment points 42 along the entire height of main compartment 11 allows the elastic cords 41 to be positioned so as to intercept trays of various heights. The easily removable cords that can be adjusted for a desired position in the main compartment is an important feature of the invention, which provides flexibility and ease of use that is not present in the prior art devices.

A selected tray 31 can be removed from main compartment 11 in two ways. The user can displace the intercepting cord(s) 41 upwardly or downwardly to clear the selected tray 31 and then pull the tray straight out. Or, the user can grasp the front portion of the selected tray 31, tilt it upwardly, and then pull it out between adjacent elastic cords 41, which will stretch to accommodate this. In either case the remaining trays 31 will tilt in response to these actions, and then merely drop downwardly when the selected tray 31 has been removed. The removed tray 31 can be returned to main compartment 11 by simply placing it on the top of the stack of trays, or returning it to its original location in the stack by displacing some of the cords and slipping it between two adjacent stacked trays. These actions are facilitated by leaving some space above the uppermost tray in the stack to allow room for the trays to tilt upwardly. Trays of varying heights can be used, with the presence of a plurality of cord attachment means allowing quick and easy alignment of the cords with the trays along the entire height of the compartment.

Particularly with regard to the portable embodiment of this invention, first and second side compartments 50 and 51 can be attached to the outside surfaces 53 of side panels 13 and 14 by hinge means. Each side compartment 50 and 51 is defined by a rectangular frame 54 and a rear wall panel 55. Side compartments 50 and 51 each are movable between a closed position in contact with the outer surfaces of side panels 13 and 14 (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 2). They are held in the closed position by suitable fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners and can be provided with handles 56. A second plurality of elastic cords 57 is installed between facing portions of each frame 54 along the inside surface of wall panels 55, attached by suitable fastening means or secured in such as keyhole-shaped openings in frame 54. Articles that lend themselves to this type of storage can be secured beneath elastic cords 57, and easily accessed by opening the appropriate side compartment. In the same manner as cords 41, cords 57 can easily be removed, replaced, and relocated. A tool caddy 60, divided into vertical slots 61, can be attached to the outer surface of one or both of side compartments 50 and 51. Items such as knives, screwdrivers and scissors can be placed in slots 61, where they can easily be removed for use and returned.

As shown in FIG. 3, provided on the outside surface of back panel 15 is a pair of runners 71 which define opposed slots within which a cutting board 72 can be carried, its lower edge resting on base panel 18. Cutting or work board 72 can be provided with measuring indicia 73. Board 72 slides out from runners 71 for use, and can be placed upon the nonslip surface of top 21 for stability during its use. Top 21 also can function as a seat. A second nonslip surface can be installed on the underside of bottom panel 18, to inhibit the organizer and carrier from sliding on the slippery or canted deck of a boat or vehicle, for example. In addition, weights can be placed in the lower portion of the device in order to provide more stability.

The inventive organizer and carrier can be made from any appropriate material, such as wood, plastic, metal, or composite, by the use of known techniques.

The first embodiment of the invention, described above, incorporates the features in a portable carrier. In the second embodiment of the invention some or all of the features described with regard to the portable unit are incorporated into the construction of a boat, a vehicle, or a permanent structure such as a building. For example, the main compartment, with cords and trays, can be built into the structure of a boat beneath a seat, or in the inside of the hull, or in a bulkhead. The side compartments and top compartment also can be incorporated in the same fashion. The same can be said of installing the invention in the body of a vehicle or in structural components of a building, or in units of a wall storage system. 

1. An organizer for items utilized by fisherman, hobbyists, tradesmen and the like, comprising: first and second opposed side panels, a bottom panel, a top panel, and a back panel attached together at their contiguous edges to define a main compartment having an open front, each of said first and second side panels, said bottom panel, said top panel and said back panel being substantially rectangular in shape and each having an inner surface, said inner surfaces of said panels delineating a main compartment width, a main compartment depth, and a main compartment height; a first removable tray for receiving said items therein and having a tray width, a tray depth, and a tray height of such dimensions as to be positionable within said main compartment resting upon said inner surface of said bottom panel; and a first main cord having elastic properties attached to said first side panel and said second side panel and extending substantially horizontally across said front opening, said first main cord being so located with respect to said height of said front opening as to intersect said first removable tray at a point along said tray height, whereby said first removable tray is prevented from sliding out of said main compartment through said open front by the presence of said first main cord.
 2. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising: outer surfaces on each of said first and second side panels; a first side compartment having an open front and a side compartment back panel and being attached by hinge means to said outer surface of said first side panel and movable between a closed position wherein said first side compartment open front is against said outer surface of said first side panel and an open position wherein said first side compartment open front is spaced from said outer surface of first side panel; and fastening means for selectively securing said first side compartment in said closed position.
 3. The organizer of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of side compartment cords having elastic properties attached inside said first side compartment and extending substantially across said first side compartment adjacent to said side compartment back panel, whereby items can be placed inside said first side compartment and secured therein by said side compartment cords.
 4. The organizer of claim 2 further comprising: a second side compartment having an open front and a side compartment back panel and being attached by hinge means to said outer surface of said second side panel and movable between a closed position wherein said second side compartment open front is against said outer surface of said second side panel and an open position wherein said second side compartment open front is spaced from said outer surface of second side panel; and fastening means for selectively securing said second side compartment in said closed position.
 5. The organizer of claim 2 further comprising a tool rack mounted on the outside of said first side compartment.
 6. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising: an outside surface on said top panel; a top compartment having an open top positioned on said outside surface of said top panel of said main compartment; a lid attached by hinge means positioned over said open top, said lid being movable between a closed position covering said open top and an open position spaced from said open top; and fastening means for selectively securing said lid in said closed position.
 7. The organizer of claim 6 wherein said lid has a lid outside surface and further comprising a substantially non-slip surface on said lid outside surface.
 8. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising: additional removable trays, said additional removable trays each having a tray width, a tray depth, and a tray height of such dimensions as to be positionable within said main compartment with one of said additional trays resting upon said first removable tray and the others of said additional trays resting upon one another in a stack within said main compartment; and additional main cords, each of said additional main cords being attached to said first side panel and said second side panel substantially horizontally across said front opening, each of said additional main cords being so located with respect to said height of said front opening as to intersect one of said additional trays at a point along said tray height, whereby each said additional tray is prevented from sliding out of said main compartment through said open front by the presence of one of said additional main cords.
 9. The organizer of claim 8 further comprising: attachment means for removably attaching said main cord and said additional main cords, said attachment means comprising a plurality of aligned first attachment elements substantially vertically spaced from one another and positioned on said inside surfaces of said first and second side panels, and second attachment elements on each of said main cord and said plurality of additional main cords and engagable with said first attachment elements, whereby said main cord and said additional main cords can be precisely positioned to intersect said removable trays at points along said tray heights on trays having differing said tray heights and permitting each of said main tray and said additional main trays to be manually removed from said main compartment by displacing one or more of said main cord and said additional main cords laterally.
 10. An organizer for items utilized by fisherman, hobbyists, tradesmen and the like, comprising: first and second opposed side panels, a bottom panel, a top panel, and a back panel attached together at their contiguous edges to define a main compartment having an open front, each of said first and second side panels, said bottom panel, said top panel and said back panel being substantially rectangular in shape and having an inner surface, said inner surfaces of said panels delineating a main compartment width, a main compartment depth, and a main compartment height; a plurality of removable trays each having a tray width, a tray depth, and a tray height of such dimensions as to be positionable within said main compartment with one of said trays resting upon said inner surface of said bottom panel and the others of said trays resting one upon another in a stack; a plurality of main cords each having elastic properties attached to said first side panel and said second side panel and extending substantially horizontally across said front opening, said main cords being so located with respect to said height of said front opening as to have a said main cord intersect each one of said removable trays at a points along said tray height, whereby each of said trays is prevented from sliding out of said main compartment through said open front by the presence of one of said main cords.
 11. The organizer of claim 10 further comprising: attachment means for removably attaching said main cords, said attachment means comprising a plurality of aligned first attachment elements substantially vertically spaced from one another and positioned on said inside surfaces of said first and second side panels, and second attachment elements on each of said plurality of main cords and engagable with said first attachment elements, whereby said main cords can be positioned to intersect said removable trays at points along said tray heights on trays having differing tray heights, said main cords permitting each of said trays to be manually removed from said stack of trays by displacing one or more of said main cords laterally and passing said tray between said main cords.
 12. The organizer of claim 11 further wherein each of said plurality of first attachment elements comprises a keyhole-shaped opening in said first and second side panels and each of said second attachment elements are removably receivable in said keyhole-shaped openings whereby said main cords can be removed and repositioned to accommodate said trays having differing said tray heights.
 13. The organizer of claim 10 further comprising: a first side compartment having an open front and a first side compartment back panel and being attached by hinge means to said outer surface of said first side panel and movable between a closed position wherein said first side compartment open front is against said outer surface and an open position wherein said first side compartment open front is spaced from said outer surface; and fastening means for selectively securing said first side compartment in said closed position.
 14. The organizer of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of side compartment cords having elastic properties attached inside said first side compartment adjacent to said first side compartment back panel and extending substantially across said first side compartment whereby said items can be placed inside said first side compartment and secured therein by said side compartment cords.
 15. The organizer of claim 13 further comprising: a second side compartment having an open front and a second side compartment back panel and being attached by hinge means to said outer surfaces of said second side panel and movable between a closed position wherein said second side compartment open front is against said outer surface of said second side panel and an open position wherein said second side compartment open front is spaced from said outer surface of second side panel; and fastening means for selectively securing said second side compartment in said closed position.
 17. The organizer of claim 13 further comprising a tool rack mounted on the outside of said first side compartment.
 18. The organizer of claim 10 further comprising: a top compartment having an open top positioned on said outside surface of said top panel of said main compartment; a lid positioned over said open top and attached thereto by hinge means, said lid being movable between a closed position covering said open top and an open position spaced from said open top; and fastening means for selectively securing said lid in said closed position.
 19. The organizer of claim 18 wherein said lid has a lid outside surface and further comprising a substantially non-slip surface on said lid outside surface.
 20. The organizer of claim 10 further comprising handle means for carrying said organizer. 